Battle of Baby Dragons

AN: First of all, I just wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to both of my parents for taking care of me in the early hours of the morning. I was battling the flu, running a high fever, and I even vomited several times. I genuinely believed that I wouldn't be able to release chapters today, but fortunately, my flu has now subsided.

...

Floyd placed five of each Protein and Carbo's tablets into Axew's pokeblock. These pokeblocks, a blend of intermediate and advanced types, were made three days ago when Floyd successfully improved his proficiency. They were meant to prepare Axew for evolution.

The pokeblock bore a robust flavor from a combination of four berries, embodying three types: Dragon, Normal, and Dark.

Upon arriving at the Beast Sanctuary, Floyd immediately spotted Kanraku, pacing anxiously. When the professor noticed him, he dashed over. "Where is it now?"

"Here, he's about to evolve," Floyd gestured towards Axew.

"Do we need to make any preparations?" inquired Kanraku.

"I've taken care of everything. We're all set," Floyd assured him.

"Alright, let's begin," Kanraku said, readying his camera.

"Hold on, Professor. We should warn the other beasts. We might cause a commotion, and we wouldn't want them to get agitated and attack," Floyd advised.

Kanraku nodded in agreement, "I'll handle it." He then rushed off to notify nearby creatures. A short while later, he returned.

"Let's proceed," Floyd declared.

He then checked Axew's stats:

Pokemon: Axew (Shiny)

Level: 37 ♂

Type: Dragon

Ability: Mold Breaker

Moves:

Advanced Level: None

Intermediate Level: Dig, First Impression, Scratch, Dragon Claw, Slash, Taunt, Breaking Swipe, Bite

Beginner Level: Crunch, Assurance, Dragon Dance, Protect, Dragon Rage, Scary Face

Genetic Skill: First Impression

In a mere week, Axew had leveled up twice. His move, Breaking Swipe, had achieved intermediate status. All his Dragon Moves had improved substantially, with even Dragon Rage, which he used less frequently, showing marked enhancement.

"Horsea, Dratini, Goomys, I need your help," Floyd looked at them.

All of them nodded and prepared in action while Growlithe and Munchlax were cheering for them.

He looked at their stats:

Pokemon: Horsea

Level: 19 ♀

Type: Water

Ability: Swift Swim

Moves:

Intermediate Level: Dragon Dance

Beginner Level: Water Gun, Rain Dance, Smokescreen, Tackle, Wrap, Twister, Focus Energy, Dragon Breath.

Pokemon: Growlithe (Hisuian – Disappearing 38%)

Level: 19 ♂

Type: Fire + Rock

Ability: Rock Head

Moves:

Intermediate: Bite, Tackle

Beginner: Ember, Howl, (Head Smash), (Outrage)

Genetic Skill: (Head Smash)

Pokemon: Goomy (Hisuian – Disappearing 60%)

Level: 19 ♂

Type: Dragon

Ability: Gooey

Moves:

Intermediate Level: Bubble, Water Gun

Beginner Level: Tackle, Dragon Breath, Absorb, Counter

Genetic Skill: Counter

Pokemon: Dratini

Level: 17 ♂

Type: Dragon

Ability: Shed Skin

Moves:

Beginner Level: Extreme Speed, Twister, Thunder Wave, Wrap, Dragon Breath, Dragon Dance

Genetic Skill: Extreme Speed, Dragon Breath

Pokemon: Goomy (Hisuian – Disappearing 63%)

Level: 14 ♀

Type: Dragon

Ability: Hydration

Moves:

Intermediate Level: Bubble

Beginner Level: Water Gun, Dragon Breath, Tackle

Pokemon: Goomy (Hisuian – Disappearing 65%)

Level: 13 ♀

Type: Dragon

Ability: Hydration

Moves:

Intermediate Level: Bubble

Beginner Level: Water Gun, Tackle, Dragon Breath

Pokemon: Goomy (Hisuian – Disappearing 67%)

Level: 12 ♀

Type: Dragon

Ability: Sap Sipper

Moves:

Beginner Level: Bubble, Water Gun, Tackle, Dragon Breath, Absorb

Pokemon: Goomy (Hisuian – Disappearing 70%)

Level: 12 ♂

Type: Dragon

Ability: Hydration

Moves:

Beginner Level: Bubble, Water Gun, Life Dew, Tackle, Dragon Breath

Genetic Skill: Life Dew

All Goomys have successfully learned Dragon Move, although Floyd just lessened the Dragon type on their intake, they still successfully managed to learn it. Munchlax also steadily grew, and his weight increased and became 90+ kilos, although Floyd couldn't see his improvement, he knew he improved a lot.

Horsea has caught up to the level of Growlithe and the leader Goomy, since Floyd didn't let these two guys train hard, just let them eat more and do mild training while Horsea was forced to train by Floyd, so she has caught up. She also managed two Dragon Moves, Twister and Dragon Breath, which she learned from Dratini.

But the most terrifying of all was Dratini. He advanced six levels in just a week. How could that be? Floyd knew he was only two weeks old - merely half a month old! Moreover, he also learned the Dragon Dance move from Horsea. This astounding growth truly took Floyd aback. Yet he was aware that this pace might slow down a tad once they reached the Pro Stage, which began at level 20+. Even with that in mind, thinking about Dratini's growth left Floyd in awe.

He remembered Axew's age, realizing that he was a year old. How long did it take for Axew to go from level 19 to level 37? Over 8 months. However, Floyd also recognized that when he met Axew, he wasn't even in the novice stages of breeding, which hindered Axew's growth. Floyd's own challenges in earning points and learning breeding also contributed. Axew's shaky foundation was another factor in the delay.

Reflecting on this, Floyd sighed, realizing the sacrifices both he and Axew made for the benefit of Horsea and the others. They had poured in immense effort. Yet, despite the delay, Axew, being a Dragon-Type (known for their slow growth), had reached level 37 within just over a year.

From Floyd's recollections, the final evolution of starter Pokémon occurred around Level 36. While this might not align perfectly with real-world logic, it gave Floyd a reference point. He remembered how long it took Kanraku to evolve his partner. It had taken Kanraku two years to get Blastoise, whereas Floyd achieved it in one.

Considering all the hardships and hard work, Floyd felt it was all worth it. He gazed at each of his Pokémon and asked, "Are you ready?"

Horsea, Dratini, the five Goomys, and Axew all nodded in response.

"Axew, Horsea, Dratini, use Dragon Dance!" Floyd ordered.

"What? Dragon?" Kanraku exclaimed, hearing Floyd's command.

The three Pokémon began their rotations. Horsea finished her spin first, followed by Axew, and then Dratini.

"Do it. Attack Axew one by one," Floyd instructed.

All of his Pokémon nodded in agreement, except for Growlithe and Munchlax who were merely observing.

"Axew, Protect!" Floyd shouted.

Axew parried Dratini's Extreme Speed, followed by Horsea's Tackle. Dratini prepared to use Twister.

"Axew, use Breaking Swipe!" commanded Floyd.

Axew struck both Horsea and Dratini. After the duo retreated, the five Goomys released their Dragon Breaths.

"Use Dig!" Floyd called out urgently.

Axew quickly burrowed underground. Seeing this, Horsea wasn't sure how to react and stepped back. Floyd shook his head, noticing that unless given instructions, his Pokémon didn't act independently—except for Axew.

"Axew, appear and use First Impression on Dratini," Floyd directed, targeting Dratini due to his formidable Extreme Speed.

Dratini, caught off-guard, hastily deployed his Extreme Speed in defense. Their moves collided, pushing Dratini back, visibly hurt. Horsea, intimidated, emitted smoke as a smokescreen. The five Goomys were a tad late in their reactions; by the time they released their bubbles, Axew had vanished.

"Now, let's switch roles. Follow my commands closely," Floyd said. "Two Goomys on the left, two on the right, one Goomy up front. Horsea, stay behind, and Dratini, take the center."

Everyone nodded, positioning themselves as directed.

"Dratini, defend with Extreme Speed if Axew attacks from any side. If he targets you, use Extreme Speed immediately. Understood?" Floyd clarified.

"Ehew," Dratini acknowledged.

As expected, Axew emerged targeting Dratini.

"Extreme Speed!" Floyd ordered.

The two clashed. Immediately after, Floyd instructed, "Horsea, use Water Gun!"

Obliging, Horsea sprayed both Axew and Dratini, pushing them apart.

"Goomys, unleash Dragon Breath!" Floyd shouted.

The five Goomys complied. Axew responded with Protect but was pushed back by the overwhelming force.

"Dratini, Horsea, cast Twister!" Floyd continued.

Caught unprepared, Axew was hit and momentarily immobilized.

"Now, Dragon Breath!" Floyd commanded.

The Goomys launched another volley of Dragon Breath. Overwhelmed, Axew resorted to using Protect again.

A powerful impact sent Axew reeling.

"Enough!" Floyd signaled, halting the battle. He turned to Axew, asserting, "It's time."